Resort information for Avoriaz

Avoriaz is a purpose-built, traffic-free resort perched above a dramatic, sheer rock face. It is on the main lift circuit of the Portes du Soleil, this circuit which is easily done by intermediates of all abilities. Wherever you stay, you should be able to ski from the door. The village has lifts and pistes fanning out in all directions.

Although Avoriaz itself is high, its slopes don’t go much higher – and some parts of the Portes du Soleil circuit are much lower. In general, the snow here is usually much better than over the border on the south-facing Swiss slopes, and the slopes closest to Avoriaz are bleak and treeless, but snow-sure. Most of the bad queues have been eliminated by new high-speed lifts, but crowds on the pistes (especially at weekends and around the village) can be bad, with care needed to avoid collisions.

There is a good choice of mountain restaurants over the hill. The village is all angular, dark, wood-clad, high-rise buildings, mostly apartments, although the snow-covered paths and pistes give the place quite a friendly Alpine feel. It’s a compact resort, with everything close to hand, but the village is set on quite a slope. The evenings are lively, but there is not much choice. A few bars have a good atmosphere, particularly in happy hour and there are approximately 30 restaurants.